Page 48 of Donovan Blake: Passion

“I’d been trying to reach Lord Hawthorne to discuss the purchase of a portrait he owns. When I told a friend how difficult it was, he said he knew someone who could procure works of art from anywhere in the world and he gave me Mr. Kozlov’s name and contact information. When I checked him out he had a dubious reputation, but I really need to buy the portrait, though to be honest, it’s actually the frame I’m after.”

“You are? And why is that?”

“Ah, well, it’s rather a long story. Do you have the time?”

“Absolutely. Please continue.”

“I received the most extraordinary letter from a woman named Mary Banks. She said her great grandmother, Julie Pemberton, was supposed to have married a soldier named Richard Weiss but he died from his injuries while staying at Hawthorne Hall. Long story short, she was cleaning out the attic of the family home in Hampstead and found a letter. Apparently David had secreted away a gift for her in the frame of a portrait of Lord Percival Hawthorne, and apparently it was something very important.”

“I see,” Donovan said solemnly. “I’m sorry you were unable to reach Lord Hawthorne earlier. What can you tell me about Richard, and how are you related to him?”

“He was a hero. I wouldn’t be speaking to you if it wasn’t for his bravery. He was solely responsible for getting my great grandparents out of Germany. That’s how he was wounded. He sacrificed his life for us. From the moment this letter arrived I have been trying to locate that portrait. When I couldn’t reach Lord Hawthorne, and my friend told me about Alexi Koslov, I reached out to him immediately. Unfortunately, it appears I have competition. There’s another buyer, and the price Mr. Koslov is asking is—well—outrageous, but this may be my only chance to acquire this precious item—whatever it may be.”

“Mr. Weiss, this is Lord Hawthorne, but please call me Peter,” he interjected. “I will do my best to make sure what’s hidden in the frame is returned to you.”

“I—I—don’t know what to say.”

“Tell Alexi Koslov that the price he’s asking is too high and you’ve changed your mind, then leave this to us,” Donovan added. “It’s a rather complicated situation, but Mr. Koslov does not represent the portrait and never has.”

“I can’t believe it. I’m at a loss for words.”

“You must keep this conversation to yourself, but if things go as planned you’ll have whatever is in that frame very soon.”

“Thank you seems so inadequate. You can’t imagine what this will mean to the family. I’ll make arrangements to fly to London at once. I always stay at the Bridgerton Hotel in Knightsbridge. Do you know it.”

“I certainly do,” Donovan replied, his lips curling into a smile.

“David, why don’t you stay here at Hawthorne Hall,” Peter interjected. “You’d be most welcome, and you can see where Richard spent his last days.”

“That’s so kind of you, but I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“You wouldn’t be imposing, not at all. Are you flying private?”

“Yes, in the company jet.”

“Malberry Airfield is nearby. Just let me know your flight details and I’ll send a car.”

“This is most kind of you. Thank you. My assistant will be in touch.”

“Remember, David, not a word to Kozlov about any of this,” Donovan repeated, “and especially not your travel plans.”

“I understand. Goodbye, Donovan, goodbye Peter. Thank you again, and I look forward to meeting you both.

“What an extraordinary turn of events,” Peter remarked as the call ended. “I never imagined anything like this.”

“Peter, there’s an old saying I find to be true more often than not,” Donovan said. “Expect the unexpected.”

“This is really exciting,” Jane piped up, “but I think I’m ready for some tea and scones in the conservatory now.”

“You’re always ready for tea and scones,” Trevor quipped with a chuckle, “but actually, I’d like some too.”

“And I’ll join you,” Peter announced. “Donovan, Phoebe, what about you two?”

“I rather fancy going back to the Lake House,” Phoebe replied. “What do you say, Donovan? We could have another poke around and make our own tea there. I noticed the kitchen seemed to be stocked.”

“It is, and you should. It’s such a delightful place,” Peter said as he rose to his feet. “I understand we’re due for a change in the weather so you should take advantage of this beautiful day while you can.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Peter agreed. “We’ll see you back here later, and tonight we’ll finalize things for the meeting with Kozlov.”

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